You have to love a family vacation destination where even the restaurants are fun.
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach both have plenty of family-friendly dining options that will keep every member of your family happy and entertained. Here are a few of our favorites from my family’s visit on the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Lulu’s
One of our favorites is Lulu’s. Lulu’s has a laid back, beach vibe, great food, and fun atmosphere. It’s a come-as-you-are kind of place where families are always welcome.
Lulu’s kids’ menu will please even the pickiest of eaters. Our kids were all about the cheeseburger and mac n cheese. We’ve eaten several selections from the regular menu and haven’t found anything that is less than delicious. On our last stop at Lulu’s, the Mahi Tacos were fabulous and my husband thought the Pot Roast Sandwich was the best thing he’s ever had in his mouth!
Lulu’s is a popular place, so expect a wait…but not a typical boring wait. While you wait or after you eat, the whole family can head to the Mountain Of Youth for adventure. The structure is a three-story ropes course. Throw in the seasonal face-painting, a sand area filled with beach toys, the volleyball nets, and live music daily and you’ve got something to keep everyone happy. Also new this year is an arcade.
The Hangout
The Hangout is another family-friendly restaurant that is so much more than food. If you want to eat and have some fun for the kids without actually leaving the beach, The Hangout is for you.
Located near the water at the main public beach area in Gulf Shores, The Hangout has it’s own beach area, giant sand pit, foos-ball tables, ping-pong, foam parties all day for the kids, live music and a fire pit in use at night.
Other Family-Friendly Restaurants
Our kids like the interesting and, well, tacky decor and atmosphere of Tacky Jacks. It’s a family-friendly restaurant with locations in Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan and Orange Beach. When we stay in the Fort Morgan area, it is our favorite place for breakfast.
The Original Oyster House is a long-time Gulf Shores favorite. Known for it’s great Gulf seafood, you’ll find lots of families here. There is an outdoor playground to keep the little ones busy while you wait for your seat or your food. Everyone can get a “crabby hat.” Yes, a crabby hat. Get one, take a selfie, and you may make their Facebook page!
These are just a sampling of our family’s favorites. For more family-friendly Gulf Shores and Orange Beach restaurants, check out the dining directory.
